-From the nonexistent journal of Rockus 'Rock' Teng Lo, future king of the Earth Kingdom, during his incarceration-

Page 22: Day 11 of my incarceration

Despite everything my situation is undoubtedly funny. Perhaps I'm simply going insane- but that doesn't mean it can't be both.

Two or three generations ago King Rumo the fourth ruled the Earth Kingdom. Rumo was a roundish oaf, with a taste for wine, who was loved by the people but who had stupid hair. His second cousin was a nobody with stupid hair who had a son- who in turn had a son named Rockus 'Rock' Teng Lo the first- who turned out to be unbelievably handsome, charming and intelligent- if I do say so myself.

But ultimately Rockus was a nobody- a nobody with the latest sleek hairstyle, but a nobody nonetheless.

Sure- technically our young hero had royal blood, but it granted him about as much a chance at actual kingship as a bowl of noodles. Yet here I am, the last living barrier preventing a common lunch dish from taking the throne, and I'm still as far as ever from actual power. Unless of course Ozai suddenly decides that he really doesn't want to be master of the world after all. Ha!

In truth my chest has stopped hurting, and I'm hoping that doesn't mean I'm dying. In actuality the attitude that I've always been told would 'be the death of me' actually saved my life. The reality of the situation is that during my imprisonment I've gained a real appreciation for the sun, and a particular de-appreciation for guards- I call mine Kuku- I don't think he likes me.

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Page 72: Day 17296 of my incarceration

Although it's more than possible that my brain is lying to me, I'm fairly certain that the absolute darkness enhances my memory.

The day that Ba Sing Se fell was just like any other day- it may have been yesterday for all I know. But it likely was not. The water of the secluded pond, by which I'd waste my days away, feels so distant now- the memories are murky and dark.

When it was announced that everyone was called to the palace I felt no great concern. King 'Whats-his-face' the Third was constantly calling the upper ring to banquets and functions to beg praise for commissioned sculptures of obscure mythical creatures, or plays based entirely on making his life appear less dull than it obviously appeared.

When we were told that the city had fallen by 'The Demon In A Green Dress, That I Thought Was A Girl In A Green Dress', I was overcome by annoyance at having my day wasting interrupted for such absurdity.

As I stepped forward from the crowd, and gestured towards the still standing walls, the outer rim began to crumble as if by my command alone. Prone to self-importance I considered that to be a viable option. The smirk that TDIAGDTITWAGIAGD had on her face suggested otherwise.

Numbed dread flowed through me, I could not comprehend. Time slowed and the crowd seemed to silently shift further away- mouths moved and faces twisted but no sound was made. TDIAGDTITWAGIAGD moved towards me, she wore an expression of comfort and compassion that seemed to contradict my earlier impression- and despite my panic, her softened features were a peaceful island in the storm that flayed all I'd ever known. I fell in to her eyes for nothing else was near.

TDIAGDTITWAGIAGD thanked me; I'd apparently made a choice for her. Out the corner of my eye I saw the boy with a scar who looked oddly worried for me. Time began to work properly again and my chest burned like the sun, apparently my face was too pretty to destroy, I didn't understand. Time broke completely and was replaced by darkness. The next thing I knew, the yet to be nicknamed guard Kuku, was bringing me dinner in the darkness.

I later overheard, from the guards, that the upper class had been culled completely. The source seemed far more reliable than my other nemesis, the human sized rabbit-fox that keeps telling me that 'hopping was for wimps'- but nothing can be taken at face value in the dark.